If the new A3 gets the Q3 interior

[wab172uk]

Picked up my car after about 6 / 7 weeks in the dealers getting it's new engine transplant. Back to full health !!.

Sat in a few of the cars in the showroom while waiting to be seen..

First car. A1. Jesus, talk about cheap scratchy plastics !!! Even the Ford Fiesta has better materials inside. Deffo not worth what Audi ask for them.

Second Car Q3. What a horrible dashboard. Big area's of gloss black plastic. You could see finger marks and greasy finger swipes everywhere. Stupid angles and cheap silver plastic everywhere. And what's with the door handles? Ridiculous.

Third Car. Q5. More traditional dashboard, but god it's high up. Felt like I had to climb into it, rather than sliding in, like say a Tiguan or Q2. Too big to even be considered.

A4 & A5. Very vanilla interiors. Boring exteriors. And huge too. Nothing to stand out and make you `want` one.

Overall, apart from the R8 sat in the showroom, there was absolutely nothing that even got my interest up. Audi have certainly lost their touch IMHO. And if the new A3 gets that Q3 dashboard, then it's a definite NO from me for the next S3. Looks and feels so so cheap. Makes the stuck on Ipads of the Merc A class look classy.

As for my S3. Was driving it back, and just felt out of love with it. Couldn't even say I was pleased to be back in it. Steering felt very light. Gearshift devoid of any feel of sportiness. I think it's days are numbered now. Too late to order anything this year, as not picking a new car up in winter. So have a few months to decide what to replace it with. Fiesta ST is still in first place, with the A35 AMG in second, and a Tiguan in third. Need to test drive all 3 and decide which way to go. Second hand 911 is still in the running too.

 

[Pook]

So youre a fan of the new Audi’s then

 

[AlS3BE]

Picked up my car after about 6 / 7 weeks in the dealers getting it's new engine transplant. Back to full health !!.

Sat in a few of the cars in the showroom while waiting to be seen..

First car. A1. Jesus, talk about cheap scratchy plastics !!! Even the Ford Fiesta has better materials inside. Deffo not worth what Audi ask for them.

Second Car Q3. What a horrible dashboard. Big area's of gloss black plastic. You could see finger marks and greasy finger swipes everywhere. Stupid angles and cheap silver plastic everywhere. And what's with the door handles? Ridiculous.

Third Car. Q5. More traditional dashboard, but god it's high up. Felt like I had to climb into it, rather than sliding in, like say a Tiguan or Q2. Too big to even be considered.

A4 & A5. Very vanilla interiors. Boring exteriors. And huge too. Nothing to stand out and make you `want` one.

Overall, apart from the R8 sat in the showroom, there was absolutely nothing that even got my interest up. Audi have certainly lost their touch IMHO. And if the new A3 gets that Q3 dashboard, then it's a definite NO from me for the next S3. Looks and feels so so cheap. Makes the stuck on Ipads of the Merc A class look classy.

As for my S3. Was driving it back, and just felt out of love with it. Couldn't even say I was pleased to be back in it. Steering felt very light. Gearshift devoid of any feel of sportiness. I think it's days are numbered now. Too late to order anything this year, as not picking a new car up in winter. So have a few months to decide what to replace it with. Fiesta ST is still in first place, with the A35 AMG in second, and a Tiguan in third. Need to test drive all 3 and decide which way to go. Second hand 911 is still in the running too.

Lots of folk looking at fiesta st. Not thought about the focus?
I think the new focus is a good looking car on the outside when specced with the right wheels. Prefer it to a fiesta by far.

 

[Ron240]

The new Focus ST is a good car.....but God damn it's expensive - £32k basic price for the 2.3
There is only one trim spec equivalent to previous ST3, but still enough on the option list to get it up to just under £35k.
Discounts were very thin on the ground pre launch, but starting to filter through now. Around £28.5k should be achievable on basic price.
No full leather this time only half leather Recaros.

 

[wab172uk]

So youre a fan of the new Audi’s then

I was, but think they've turned a corner. And not for the better.

 

[Snake Pliskin]

Picked up my car after about 6 / 7 weeks in the dealers getting it's new engine transplant. Back to full health !!.

Sat in a few of the cars in the showroom while waiting to be seen..

First car. A1. Jesus, talk about cheap scratchy plastics !!! Even the Ford Fiesta has better materials inside. Deffo not worth what Audi ask for them.

Second Car Q3. What a horrible dashboard. Big area's of gloss black plastic. You could see finger marks and greasy finger swipes everywhere. Stupid angles and cheap silver plastic everywhere. And what's with the door handles? Ridiculous.

Third Car. Q5. More traditional dashboard, but god it's high up. Felt like I had to climb into it, rather than sliding in, like say a Tiguan or Q2. Too big to even be considered.

A4 & A5. Very vanilla interiors. Boring exteriors. And huge too. Nothing to stand out and make you `want` one.

Overall, apart from the R8 sat in the showroom, there was absolutely nothing that even got my interest up. Audi have certainly lost their touch IMHO. And if the new A3 gets that Q3 dashboard, then it's a definite NO from me for the next S3. Looks and feels so so cheap. Makes the stuck on Ipads of the Merc A class look classy.

As for my S3. Was driving it back, and just felt out of love with it. Couldn't even say I was pleased to be back in it. Steering felt very light. Gearshift devoid of any feel of sportiness. I think it's days are numbered now. Too late to order anything this year, as not picking a new car up in winter. So have a few months to decide what to replace it with. Fiesta ST is still in first place, with the A35 AMG in second, and a Tiguan in third. Need to test drive all 3 and decide which way to go. Second hand 911 is still in the running too.

I think the busy touch screen vents all over the place dash could be a killer for a lot of us in the next platform A3/S3/RS3.

Nothing inspiring me either atm hence I am hanging on to what I have as still feels the best of what is out there.

Merc A35 AMG would be my choice of the minute to be fair if I had to commit to a car right now

 

[Ron240]

Merc A35 AMG would be my choice of the minute to be fair if I had to commit to a car right now

I've always preferred hatchbacks......but with the A3 I think the Saloon shape looks classier.
Similarly with the Merc A series although the back end of the Saloon looks a bit too stubby and out of proportion.
Mercedes AMG CLA 35 in Premium trim is where it's at for me at the moment.......beautiful car.

 

[Adam14]

I've always preferred hatchbacks......but with the A3 I think the Saloon shape looks classier.
Similarly with the Merc A series although the back end of the Saloon looks a bit too stubby and out of proportion.
Mercedes AMG CLA 35 in Premium trim is where it's at for me at the moment.......beautiful car.

I'm the same boat as you regarding the A3/S3 looks. Not a huge fan of the Merc saloons, the "new" C43 would be one of the few to tempt me away nearer the end of my S5 deal as it's now got 4 real exhausts, petrol, sounds great and the interior seems pretty solid.
That or an M2 potentially, but I've been told I should probably keep a car longer than 12 months haha

Sent from my SM-G965F using Tapatalk

 

[musicegbdf]

I too was in the showroom yesterday . I have to agree . The Q2 is awful and in spite of the cheap plastics my other daughters new TRoc is much better .
There really is nothing out there right now that tugs at my wallet . So sticking with the S3 PFL

 

[Ormesome]

The Q2 is awful and in spite of the cheap plastics my other daughters new TRoc is much better .

Load of rubbish! You must have sat in a lower trim model Q2 and then a high trim T-Roc. I have a Q2 and all you have to do is spec the additional trim package. Much nicer than my 2014 A3. I test drove the T-Roc and had it for 24hrs in R-Line spec, had every optional extra listed and still felt like a Dacia Duster inside. Horrible place to be. My Q2 gets many many admiring looks and comments everywhere i go, never had that in the A3. The Q2 if specd correctly is actually a very nice car.

 

[Pook]

Currently in the showroom and just sat in the RS5 and I really like the interior now. SS seats are lovely in the Alcantara, gloss black panels match nicely. Stuck on iPad still ain’t great but it’s not TOO bad. SQ2

I too was in the showroom yesterday . I have to agree . The Q2 is awful and in spite of the cheap plastics my other daughters new TRoc is much better .
There really is nothing out there right now that tugs at my wallet . So sticking with the S3 PFL

funny how opinions differ: my wife and I looked at a troc and instantly on sitting in one we were like NO! Damn right awful interior. But was in sq2 today and actually thought it was ok.

 

[AlS3BE]

The new Focus ST is a good car.....but God damn it's expensive - £32k basic price for the 2.3
There is only one trim spec equivalent to previous ST3, but still enough on the option list to get it up to just under £35k.
Discounts were very thin on the ground pre launch, but starting to filter through now. Around £28.5k should be achievable on basic price.
No full leather this time only half leather Recaros.

£35k for a focus!!! Not even the rs...
Paid less for my s3

 

[Snake Pliskin]

I've always preferred hatchbacks......but with the A3 I think the Saloon shape looks classier.
Similarly with the Merc A series although the back end of the Saloon looks a bit too stubby and out of proportion.
Mercedes AMG CLA 35 in Premium trim is where it's at for me at the moment.......beautiful car.

I like both hatch & saloon to be fair.
Hatch looks meaner.
Saloon looks classier.

 

[kc1174]

The new models (especially the Q series and the A6) look to have gone backwards - especially the god awful new steering wheels, and while the A3/S3 interior hasn’t changed in 7 years it’s still nice. One recent car I looked at was the TTS/TTRS. Nice minimal layout and relies on the VC. If they’re to update the A3/S3 interior, the TTS/TTRS would be a nice update in my opinion along with their steering wheel.

 

[musicegbdf]

Q2 with a stick on iPad on the dash NO !
TRoc built in and neat . I will say no more .....

 

[wab172uk]

I like both hatch & saloon to be fair.
Hatch looks meaner.
Saloon looks classier.

Agree. If I did go down the A35 AMG route, it'd be the Saloon.

 

[Ormesome]

Q2 with a stick on iPad on the dash NO !
TRoc built in and neat . I will say no more .....

No different to your S3 apart from the fact that it doesn’t retract!! I find the screen more usable than my old A3 due to it being more widescreen, the A3 screen is quite upright. Anyway, the Q2 is based on the current A3 interior so it’s weird you criticising it. No doubt the Q2 will also receive a facelift in next couple of yrs which will take the interior to match the new incoming A3.

 

[musicegbdf]

My S3 is four years old and it does retract . Though am comparing with TRoc
I have to say am also disappointed with the backward steps on interior made on the last few years on the S3 .
I have noticed Ford moving up whilst Audi have been dropping back .
The stuck on iPad is one of the reasons I walked away from Mercedes four years ago . IMO it is really awful and looks like an afterthought on what is supposed to be a high end car . Again it is my opinion and if you do not agree that is fine . I hate curry , but millions of people love it . There is no right or wrong it is personal taste . Tbh I was disappointed as the Q2 could be a choice to replace our run around car.
Waiting to see the A1 ( T Cross) as that could be a contender as well

 

[Ormesome]

My S3 is four years old and it does retract . Though am comparing with TRoc
I have to say am also disappointed with the backward steps on interior made on the last few years on the S3 .
I have noticed Ford moving up whilst Audi have been dropping back .
The stuck on iPad is one of the reasons I walked away from Mercedes four years ago . IMO it is really awful and looks like an afterthought on what is supposed to be a high end car . Again it is my opinion and if you do not agree that is fine . I hate curry , but millions of people love it . There is no right or wrong it is personal taste . Tbh I was disappointed as the Q2 could be a choice to replace our run around car.
Waiting to see the A1 ( T Cross) as that could be a contender as well

As mentioned before, you need to get in an S-Line Q2 or one with extended leather/trim package. Much nicer place. After all, we cant judge the A3 or S3 in SE spec can we? I was only trying to get to the bottom of why you dont like the screen in the Q2, when it is essentially an upgraded A3 screen. I actually think our difference of opinion on this is due to our perceptions of the retracting function. You see it as a positive. For me, i see the retraction like the old Pioneer or Alpine system you used to get from Halfords, a bit dated now. Im not saying my interior is perfect but i do see it as an upgrade to the current A3, which will in turn make my Q2 look dated when the new A3 is out with its new design. Anyway, each to their own. The trim in the Q2 or new A1 will be similar to the new A3 so get used to the scratchy plastics or add a trim package. Its all about the tech now.

 

[Adam14]

I wasn't a huge fan of the stuck on screen in the S5 over the S3 but have grown to like it, much bigger and easier to see things. As said though we all have personal preferences, like my parents A6 screen actually slides up and out the dash and looks great

Sent from my SM-G965F using Tapatalk

 

[Ron240]

the old Pioneer or Alpine system you used to get from Halfords

Or indeed any in car audio specialist.
I get what you were meaning, but adding Halfords to the sentence effectively downgraded it.
Alpine back in the day was high end car audio......and fold out systems were popular at a particular time.
Kenwood also done a fold out system.
I had an Alpine system fitted to my Mondeo by a local installer back in the 90's and it wasn't cheap.

 

[wab172uk]

As mentioned before, you need to get in an S-Line Q2 or one with extended leather/trim package. Much nicer place. After all, we cant judge the A3 or S3 in SE spec can we? I was only trying to get to the bottom of why you dont like the screen in the Q2, when it is essentially an upgraded A3 screen. I actually think our difference of opinion on this is due to our perceptions of the retracting function. You see it as a positive. For me, i see the retraction like the old Pioneer or Alpine system you used to get from Halfords, a bit dated now. Im not saying my interior is perfect but i do see it as an upgrade to the current A3, which will in turn make my Q2 look dated when the new A3 is out with its new design. Anyway, each to their own. The trim in the Q2 or new A1 will be similar to the new A3 so get used to the scratchy plastics or add a trim package. Its all about the tech now.

Have to say, I've had a Q2 S-Line 35 TFSI while my S3 was at the dealers. It basically is a jacked up A3. Pretty much same dashboard. I did have a basic Q2 in March when the S3 was in for a service. It was more basic and cheaper feeling inside than the Q2 I just had.

To be fair, I didn't mind having this Q2 for the time I did. easier to get into for a start. Bigger boot. And you can even get an SQ2 with the S3 engine up front. That could be an appealing package. Almost as quick (in a straight line) as an S3, with the higher seating / viewing position.

However, and it's a big however. The Q2 exterior design is hideous. Absolutely hideous. Not knocking anyone who has one, but how can you look at the Q2 and say to yourself "That's a good looking car. I'll have one".?

It's just a shame VW don't stick the same engine into the Tiguan. It is rumoured, but no sign of it yet. Maybe at the facelift? I checked on the VW site today funnily enough to spec up a Tiguan 230 TFSI. 2 things:-

1) it was nearly £45k with options
2) you can have any colour, just as long as it's White, Black, Silver or Grey. How very boring !

A Tiguan R (300+bhp) would tick a lot of boxes for me. Now, the Q3 which is the Tiguan's sister, is again fugly looking. And the interior horrible. The `very expensive` Q3-RS which is on it's way will may be more appealing, as you'll be traveling quick enough for no one to get a good look at it. Just a shame you'll still see that dash while driving it. That'll be a £50k+ car out of the box. £60k with options. Sorry, but for that price there is some better looking and quicker cars. A second hand RS4 for instance. I know which one I'd rather have.

 

[musicegbdf]

As mentioned before, you need to get in an S-Line Q2 or one with extended leather/trim package. Much nicer place. After all, we cant judge the A3 or S3 in SE spec can we? I was only trying to get to the bottom of why you dont like the screen in the Q2, when it is essentially an upgraded A3 screen. I actually think our difference of opinion on this is due to our perceptions of the retracting function. You see it as a positive. For me, i see the retraction like the old Pioneer or Alpine system you used to get from Halfords, a bit dated now. Im not saying my interior is perfect but i do see it as an upgrade to the current A3, which will in turn make my Q2 look dated when the new A3 is out with its new design. Anyway, each to their own. The trim in the Q2 or new A1 will be similar to the new A3 so get used to the scratchy plastics or add a trim package. Its all about the tech now.

Hi , think you are mid reading . I am comparing to the T Roc not the S3 . Not sure where the S3 came into it . I agree the retracting screen is old now and too small . The TRoc and many other cars now have neat built in screens . In fact the TRoc plastics seem cheap and getting very disillusioned with VAG overall . The 1.5 kangaroo issue and the awful way they are ( not) dealing with it ...
The way the latest S3 no longer have S3 embossed on the Seats , instead they have “S” so they can share with the S line to save money . I could go on .....

 

[Ron240]

The way the latest S3 no longer have S3 embossed on the Seats , instead they have “S” so they can share with the S line to save money

While on this subject, I think the seats fitted to the S3 have no place in a car with its performance potential because they offer very little side support. It is the only thing I can say is genuinely disappointing about this car.
My girlfriends 5 year old 1.4 Corsa has much more supportive seats.

 

[musicegbdf]

Ahh that is so they can sell you the right ones
What is really getting me angry with Audi is they introduced the digital service record which I can no longer access because I did not pay £1500 for the Tech Pack four years ago .
That is a disgrace .

 

[Ormesome]

Ahh that is so they can sell you the right ones
What is really getting me angry with Audi is they introduced the digital service record which I can no longer access because I did not pay £1500 for the Tech Pack four years ago .
That is a disgrace .

My 2014 A3 didnt have tech pack and i could see the servicing. its not linked. Its on the myaudi website.

 

[musicegbdf]

Not anymore . They changed it . You now have to go to your dealership and verify who you are . They then set you up and you have to code your car via the Audi connect before you are accepted . I told them I don’t have audi connect so three different people from the dealership tried and finally they got the master tech involved . He said straight away it can’t be done so they gave me a print out . It is annoying as for over two years it worked fine on My Audi . The master tech did say they have raised it with Germany but got no response .

 

[Jassyo06]

If anyone doesn't like something in a car especially the interior...Move On....No car manufacturer forces anybody to buy their cars....One mans meat is another mans poison as they say

 

[AlS3BE]

If anyone doesn't like something in a car especially the interior...Move On....No car manufacturer forces anybody to buy their cars....One mans meat is another mans poison as they say

I’m struggling to find a new car interior I do like
Looking to replace mrs car and not one I’ve seen floats my boat. From iPad stuck on dash to cheap plastics. They are all bad. Car shopping is the only shopping I like as well and they taken the fun out of it now.

 

[Jassyo06]

I’m struggling to find a new car interior I do like
Looking to replace mrs car and not one I’ve seen floats my boat. From iPad stuck on dash to cheap plastics. They are all bad. Car shopping is the only shopping I like as well and they taken the fun out of it now.

Buy used ie a car you couldn't afford to buy or pcp when new....

 

[AlS3BE]

Buy used ie a car you couldn't afford to buy or pcp when new....

If it was for me it would be an old nsx with the pop up headlights but somehow I don’t think I would get away with it for the Mrs’s daily runabout.
Saw an old lotus esprit pass me the other day and that’s a gorgeous car. Again won’t get away with it.
For her something with warranty and with good safety gear.

 

[Ron240]

The original NSX was a gorgeous car.....but while still good the later model without pop up headlights had lost some of its appeal for me.
Speaking of nice interiors in current cars I am very taken by the Mercedes C Class....and if I could afford it I would have a new C43 Coupe.

 

[musicegbdf]

AIS tend to agree with you , there seems to be a trend to hard shiny plastics right now and touch screens with lots of finger marks .
That is why I am considering keeping my PFL S3 unless the new model is really good . But then I do also have a 50 year old Classic car as well . It has very little and my wife hates it and says it stinks . She is right it smells of leather , oil and petrol . They did 50 years ago . The options back then were a heater and overdrive .

 

[larbel]

The original NSX was a gorgeous car.....but while still good the later model without pop up headlights had lost some of its appeal for me.
Speaking of nice interiors in current cars I am very taken by the Mercedes C Class....and if I could afford it I would have a new C43 Coupe.
View attachment 187656
View attachment 187657

I'm digging the newer gen Merc's interior, but just don't get their obsession with number air vents... No more stuck on iPad on the latest, but min 3 center air vents on the lesser models and 4 on the higher tier?? Function aside, it just looks way too busy IMO...

 

[AlS3BE]

The original NSX was a gorgeous car.....but while still good the later model without pop up headlights had lost some of its appeal for me.

Can’t call yourself a car enthusiast without owning a pop up headlight car

 

[cuke2u]

Not anymore . They changed it . You now have to go to your dealership and verify who you are . They then set you up and you have to code your car via the Audi connect before you are accepted . I told them I don’t have audi connect so three different people from the dealership tried and finally they got the master tech involved . He said straight away it can’t be done so they gave me a print out . It is annoying as for over two years it worked fine on My Audi . The master tech did say they have raised it with Germany but got no response .

I gave you the solution in another thread, was it no help? If the dealership are saying this I think they are wrong...

 

[musicegbdf]

Hi have tried all variations . I have the email links from Audi and the PIN numbers and none work either via the app or on internet via computer . My Audi insists I have to pass verification and dealer has tried setting up several times and it has failed . The last time they tried to code via the car which cannot work without the Connect.
I can’t recall what you said Cuke , but am sure I tried it . Ormsome are you trying to have a pop at me ?

 

[cuke2u]

I sent you a link on how to do it, the pin number is irrelevant. You don't do it through the app either, you can't make sure you set a audi partner through the myaudi website first, the one who will register you as the key holder.
Here https://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/digital-service-record.382444/ your dealership is not using the correct procedure and needs to use one similar to if you've purchased a new car...

 

[JDHOWELLS]

Picked up my car after about 6 / 7 weeks in the dealers getting it's new engine transplant. Back to full health !!.

Sat in a few of the cars in the showroom while waiting to be seen..

First car. A1. Jesus, talk about cheap scratchy plastics !!! Even the Ford Fiesta has better materials inside. Deffo not worth what Audi ask for them.

Second Car Q3. What a horrible dashboard. Big area's of gloss black plastic. You could see finger marks and greasy finger swipes everywhere. Stupid angles and cheap silver plastic everywhere. And what's with the door handles? Ridiculous.

Third Car. Q5. More traditional dashboard, but god it's high up. Felt like I had to climb into it, rather than sliding in, like say a Tiguan or Q2. Too big to even be considered.

A4 & A5. Very vanilla interiors. Boring exteriors. And huge too. Nothing to stand out and make you `want` one.

Overall, apart from the R8 sat in the showroom, there was absolutely nothing that even got my interest up. Audi have certainly lost their touch IMHO. And if the new A3 gets that Q3 dashboard, then it's a definite NO from me for the next S3. Looks and feels so so cheap. Makes the stuck on Ipads of the Merc A class look classy.

As for my S3. Was driving it back, and just felt out of love with it. Couldn't even say I was pleased to be back in it. Steering felt very light. Gearshift devoid of any feel of sportiness. I think it's days are numbered now. Too late to order anything this year, as not picking a new car up in winter. So have a few months to decide what to replace it with. Fiesta ST is still in first place, with the A35 AMG in second, and a Tiguan in third. Need to test drive all 3 and decide which way to go. Second hand 911 is still in the running too.

agree completely on the interiors - those huge black plastic bits with a couple of buttons in the middle by the steering wheel - what are audi thinking!!

 

[Ormesome]

Ormsome are you trying to have a pop at me ?

Excuse me? What made you think that? i offered my opinion and agree with @cuke2u. I had a 2014 A3 with no tech pack and could see the servicing. In fact, the new owner hasnt registered on "myaudi" yet so i just logged and it worked fine. I sold the car last Sept last year. It is updated and current, i can see its been serviced recently.